New Scams and Threats
Better Business Bureau Warns About New Scam
Rebecca Chamblee never thought she would be the victim of a scam. "I was just appalled when I realized it was a scam, that I had been taken by somebody that can talk and that I believed what they said," Chamblee said.
Chamblee got a call from someone claiming to be microsoft employee. The caller told Chamblee her computer was infected with a virus, but not to worry because for a small fee she could purchase a new virus scan that would protect her computer for a full year.
"I ended up buying one of the programs for $190," Chamblee said. But Chamblee says virus protection was never installed and now she's out $190.
We checked with microsoft and the company says it will never contact you to sell virus scans or make unsolicited phone calls.
"He sounded convincing very convincing," Chamblee said.
Vee Daniel with the Better Business Bureau tells us Chamblee is not alone. She has had several calls about this Microsoft scam. The scary part about it, Daniel says the scammer will convince you to let him access your computer remotely, so he can "show" you how the virus scan works."Getting into your computer they have access to all of your information so right there is identity theft," Daniel said.
Chamblee is still angry with herself for falling for this scam. "I asked myself what in the world have I done and it was done so innocently and I can't believe I did that," Chamblee said.
'Gameover' Malware Targets Your Bank Account Information
In January, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, published an article on the latest cyber scam, a phising scheme that sends emails which look like they are coming from the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB), or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). These unsolicited emails state that there is a problem with your bank account or a recent transaction, and to correct it follow the link that is provided. The link goes to a bogus website where you unknowingly initiate the download of the Gameover malware.
Telephone Scam
Area banks have become aware of a telephone scam in which callers claim to be a representative at the individual’s bank. The caller claims the individual’s accounts have been compromised and for security purposes, the bank needs to change all account numbers. DO NOT give account numbers out over the telephone or via email unless you initiated the contact.
Credit Card Scam
Credit Card holders are being phoned by a person posing as the Security and Fraud Department staff from Visa or MasterCard. The person calling says, “This is (name), and I’m calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I’m calling to verify. This would be on you VISA card that was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $xx.xx from a marketing company based in (any town or city)?
When you say “No” the caller continues with, “Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and any purchases from them will flag most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives your address), is that correct?
You say “Yes”. The caller continues – “I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1-800 number listed on the back of your card and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. “Do you need me to read it again?”
Here’s the important part on how the scam works. The caller then says, “I need to verify you are in possession of your card”. He’ll ask you to “turn your card over and look for some numbers”. There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he’ll say “That is correct”, thanks you for your cooperation and hangs up. Within minutes, new purchases will show up on your card. DO NOT give account number or card information over the telephone or via email unless you initiated the contact.